Side By Side: Walking With Others in Wisdom and Love

I found this book by accident while looking for Mick Duncan's 'Alongsiders'. I am thrilled to see the clear call issue here for ALL believers to be an active and engaged part of their community. Not only in the sense of participation in activities and attendance in events, but to be the vital port of call for each other. Every, single believer can and should be mobilised to provide wisdom and love to each other.

Loved this book. Welch gives great insight into how we view ourselves biblically and how we view others. His practical advice and wisdom comes from a deep understanding of the gospel and how we stand before God and allows us then to see not only our 'neediness', but the 'neediness' of others. \\r\\n\\r\\nHighly recommend for counselling, caring for others, and really anyone who is part of a church community and cares about having deep gospel relationships.

This is a book with many short chapters that is filled with practical wisdom for Christian's to love others better. Throughout his book, Welch continually gives a variety of conversation examples which helps us to consider how to apply these principles into different situations that we may face. \\r\\n\\r\\nParticularly helpful is Welch's section on preparing to talk about sin with another, where he guides the readers to ensure their hearts intention are godly. Likewise, Welch also helps readers consider how to go deeper into conversations with others, and how we can show love while we're having such conversations. \\r\\n\\r\\nI'd recommend this book to any Christian, for there will certainly be things that we'd all be helped in our endeavour to love others.

Welch's small volume is packed with much practical wisdom. The author explains that caring for people isn't primarily the role of the professional or pastor, but of everyday Christian friends. This book equips Christians to care for others in such a way. He divides this volume into two parts, which are the necessary components to caring helping for others. The first is to recognise your neediness and dependence on God, and the second is to recognise the need people have for each other. Chapters are short and useful, giving practical advice. The main thing this excellent work leaves wanting is more biblical basis and explanation for the principles taught. However, this is an extremely helpful book, and recommended for all Christians who want to better love and serve others.

I'd previously read Ed Welch's books on anxiety and fear (When People are Big and God is Small Running Scared). They were deeply transformative for me - and I've been longing to know how I can better minister the grace God used through Welch's books to others. Here is the book - it's deeply gospel-centred. It's profound in its understanding of people. And it is clear and practical on how to get alongside others - not as people who have all the answers, but as people who need help helping others who need help. Gold!